Aussies seek edge for Devine intervention

Rachael Haynes hopes her recent stint in the United Kingdom’s Super League might help provide Australia with an extra edge heading into their T20 International series against New Zealand later this month.

Haynes played for Loughborough Lightning in the domestic 20-over competition, one of three international players at the club alongside Australian teammate Elyse Villani and New Zealand allrounder Sophie Devine.

The trio lived together during their stint in the UK, but those trans-Tasman friendships will be put to the side when they stride out on to the field at North Sydney Oval on September 29.

“After spending six weeks with the same people, it could wear a bit thin but we complemented each other pretty well,” Haynes told cricket.com.au.

“I really enjoyed it.”

Devine emerged as one of the standout performers from the 2018 edition of the Super League, scoring 269 runs collecting 16 wickets with the ball.

She was a crucial part of a Loughborough campaign that saw the team finish the regular season on top of the table, only to fall to Surrey Stars in the final.

It came after an impressive international campaign in Ireland and the UK, where Devine posted ODI centuries against Ireland and England, before three fifties in the T20I tri-series featuring England and South Africa.

And while Haynes couldn’t have been happier to have Devine on her side in the UK, she’s also well aware that the 29-year-old will be lining up for the other side in the not-too-distant future.

 “I’ve been fortunate enough to have one of the best seats in the house to watch her go about her business,” Haynes said.

“She’s had a great run, certainly in the KSL and in the international series she had leading into it, it’s been nice to watch and nice to have to her on my team.

“But it’s also a bit of an ominous sign heading into (the T20Is) and the T20 World Cup.”

The introduction of the Rebel WBBL in 2015 means Australia’s top players are now accustomed to lining up alongside overseas rivals, and they’ve never known each other’s games better.

“I think that’s the nature of the beast these days as an international player,” Haynes said.

“There’s nowhere to hide, especially with these domestic tournaments and international players in those as well.

“Everyone is seeing a lot of each other playing, so it’s important to have your game in order.

“Any edge you can get through watching people play more is something you’ve got to try and use.”

CommBank T20 INTLs v NZ 

September 29: First T20I, North Sydney Oval, Sydney

October 1: Second T20I, Allan Border Field, Brisbane

October 5: Third T20I, Manuka Oval, Canberra